Tōtaiete mā

The Society Islands are part of French Polyneisa in the South Pacific. Because of their international history of exploration, these island bring together cultures from across the globe. In French, the islands’ name is Îles de la Société. Meanwhile, they are Tōtaiete mā in Tahitian.

The islands exist geographically, and function administratively, in two groups: Windward Islands (Îles du Vent) and Leeward Islands (Îles Sous-le-Vent.) The most well-known of the islands, Tahiti, lies on the windward side. Over 235,295 people live on these islands, on a land area of 610 square miles.

Though the islands are French in nationality, their spirit is pure Polynesian. Coconut trees sway in the wind, and crystal waters beg the visitor to dive in. Known the world over as the as the ultimate beach destination, these islands are the stuff of postcards. They teem with rugged, emerald mountains, vast, shallow inlets and creamy-white beaches.